Costco Wholesale Pay Scale (2026)
Published wage ranges for Costco positions — from entry hourly roles to pharmacists and salaried managers. Every hourly role shows its starting and top rate.
Warehouse & front-end positions (hourly)
| Position | Start | Top | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier (Front End) | $21.00 | $32.90 | |
| Cashier Assistant (Front End) | $20.00 | $31.20 | |
| Stocker | $20.00 | $32.90 | |
| Membership Clerk | $21.00 | $32.90 | |
| Member Service Assistant | $20.00 | $31.20 | |
| Gas Station Attendant | $20.00 | $31.20 | |
| Tire Installer | $21.00 | $32.90 | |
| Inventory Auditor | $21.00 | $32.90 | |
| Loss Prevention Clerk | $21.00 | $32.90 | |
| Maintenance Assistant | $20.00 | $31.20 | |
| Order Picker | $20.00 | $31.20 | |
| Forklift Operator (Depots) | $21.00 | $32.90 | +$1/hr when operating forklift |
| Power Equipment Operator | $21.00 | $32.90 | +$1/hr operating equipment |
Food & deli positions (hourly)
| Position | Start | Top |
|---|---|---|
| Baker | $21.00 | $32.90 |
| Cake Decorator | $21.00 | $32.90 |
| Meat Cutter | $21.50 | $34.40 |
| Meat Wrapper / Sanitation | $20.00 | $31.20 |
| Service Deli Clerk | $21.00 | $32.90 |
| Food Service Assistant | $20.00 | $31.20 |
| Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up / Sanitation | $20.00 | $31.20 |
Drivers & logistics (hourly)
| Position | Start | Top | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depot Truck Driver | $31.00 | $37.45 | |
| Fleet Dispatcher (CDL) | $31.00 | $37.45 | |
| Fleet Dispatcher (Non-CDL) | $21.00 | $32.90 | |
| Costco Logistics Delivery Driver | $22.00 | $32.90 | +$2/hr premium |
| Business Center Truck Driver | $21.00 | $32.90 | +$4/hr premium |
| Receiving Clerk | $21.00 | $32.90 |
Pharmacy positions
| Position | Start | Top | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Non-Certified) | $21.00 | $32.90 | |
| Pharmacy Technician (Certified) | $21.00 | $32.90 | +$3/hr premium |
| Pharmacy Immunization Certified Tech | $21.00 | $32.90 | +$4/hr premium |
| Pharmacy Sales Assistant | $20.00 | $31.20 | |
| Registered Pharmacist | $73.98 | $88.79 | varies by state |
Registered Pharmacist pay is state-specific — for example about $81.90–$83.53/hr in California, $75.31–$76.81/hr in Ohio, and $73.98–$75.46/hr in Washington. Pharmacy student interns earn $25/hr (1st year) rising to $33/hr (4th year); RX grad interns earn $38/hr.
Salaried management positions
| Position | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Logistics DDC Area Manager | $96,000 | $106,000 |
| Costco Logistics DDC Operations Manager | $96,000 | $106,000 |
| Costco Logistics MDO Assistant Manager | $96,000 | $106,000 |
| Costco Logistics MDO General Manager | $100,000 | $116,000 |
| Pharmacy Manager (by state) | $186,083 | $217,569 |
Pharmacy Manager pay is state-specific, ranging from about $186,083 (WA) to $217,569 (CA).
What Costco pay looks like after taxes
Take-home for common Costco hourly rates (single filer, 40 hrs/week), comparing California and a no-tax state like Texas:
| Rate | Annual gross | CA take-home | TX take-home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $21/hr (start) | $43,680 | ~$35,600 | ~$37,100 |
| $32.90/hr (top) | $68,432 | ~$52,900 | ~$56,300 |
| $34.40/hr (meat cutter) | $71,552 | ~$54,800 | ~$58,500 |
| $37.45/hr (driver) | $77,896 | ~$58,600 | ~$63,000 |
Estimates include federal tax, Social Security, and Medicare; CA adds state tax and SDI. Excludes health insurance and 401(k). Costco also offers benefits including health coverage, 401(k), and a stock purchase plan to eligible employees.
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